As mentioned in my previous post, we were recently on a buying trip in Europe. The weather was glorious during our 10 days abroad. Though chilly, we had blue skies and periods of sunshine. On Portobello Road in London, this cherry tree (above photo) was putting on quite a show. I wonder if the pink door was inspired by the lovely blossoms?
Speaking of England, here are the rest of my photos from London and the English countryside:
Liberty – my favorite department store in London!
I always squeeze in an hour or two at this emporium where cool and eclectic meet charming and traditional. I just love the creative displays set against the backdrop of the Tudor style rooms.
A few vintage and mid-century pieces re-burbished and presented in clever ways, such as this loveseat with its new ethnic upholstery. The three antique English tea canisters would make divine lamps.
Above: Looking down at the fabulous scarf tables, and a close-up of one of the scarves in an iconic Liberty print.
Leaving Liberty…..the best way to see London is by cab or sitting on top (front row) of a double decker bus.
Admiring the flats on a very posh street. I could live here 🙂
The one and only Portobello Rd! Still touristy! Still fabulous!! On Saturday morning, we got up really early and shopped Portobello. Be there at 7:30 AM to beat the tourists. By 11:00 AM, it is a mob scene. And yes, there is junk but I always find treasures! ALWAYS!!
On Sunday morning, we left London and drove to the countryside. We visited Buxted Park and the Palladian manor house, which was built in 1722. It is now a luxury hotel. No, we didn’t stay there….only toured the expansive grounds and grand public rooms.
With over 300 acres and gorgeous reception rooms, the hotel is a popular wedding venue. I was more interested in the antique statuary and garden ornaments.
Above: Caryatids and footed urns stand sentinel around the motor court.
The magnificent orangery (above left).
Many impressive architectural details, carved mantels and classical embellishments can be found inside the stately house. Below is the ballroom.
Above: Situated within Buxted Park is the 750+ year old (13th century) St. Margaret the Queen’s Church.
This beautiful pair of French Directoire trumeau mirrors with mercury glass will be in our shipment! Almost purchased the bobbin chair below. Oh, well….
those mirrors are stunning!! what beautiful images and things and gardens, architecture and swans! i love it all! my favorite shot is the one of portobello rd- i love the happiness radiating off that photo. i always love to see couples so clearly happy in love, and i love that there is such a couple holding hands in the foreground of that shot.
Great shots from your trip. I have never been in London except in the airport changing planes to go to Italy. I would love to visit some day. Those are fabulous mirrors.
You make me homesick for London Loi, I lived for five glorious years one block behind Liberty's, and I have been dreaming of the wonderful tables in Petersham Nurseries…
Oh Loi, what finds. I bet I would enjoy every single minute of your tour. I love all the photos, in particular the posh black door at No.14 and the stunning St. Margaret the Queen's Church, which I have never heard of. Do tell what you got on Portobello Road! I'm with you – I'd be there at 7:30 before the hoards descend. Love the trumeau mirrors and hope they go to a good home. 😉
xo Terri
Oh, and that first photo with the flowering cherry tree and that door – perfection!
oh my longings for london have been lovingly sated, if for a moment……..
could not stop staring at the last image, oh that shutter and that chair! i concur with you on liberty, what an institution, so beautifully presented. i did not however know of buxted park. so, i looked it up, which sent me to a delicious site called 'hand picked hotels', which set my imagination on fire which made fueled my longings again, ad around we go!
beautiful post loi
debra
What a wonderful trip! Love all the beautiful architecture and the garden ornaments! I hope whoever buys the trumeau mirrors buys the pair. They really should not be seperated!
What a lovely trip you had! I want those tea canisters, a pair of cement urns, and those mirrors are beautiful!
I hope you avoid the snow up your way!
xo Kat
Hey Loi fabulous photos!!! I especially love the swans beside the snowdrops and the cherry tree against the pink door. Your "blog album" is lovely and I feel like I was right there with you:) PS. I always look at random people shots to see if I know someone! …. Or I imagine who those people are, are they where/with whom they should be? Ha! Have a great week:)
What a wonderful trip you had. Your photos of the exterior building and the interiors are fabulous. I would love to live in one of those mega expensive London townhomes. In my dreams. I am always curious about the interior designs of those London townhomes so I always buy the magazines whenever they are featured. The buyer(s) of those mirrors you purchased will be so lucky to have them in their homes. The English countryside are always so green. The country homes are always so grand and beautiful. Glad to know you had a fabulous time.
London isn't so well known for its cherry blossom, unlike Washington DC, or indeed Tokyo and Kyoto, so that is a wonderful picture, especially given the door. It looks as though you were indeed quite lucky with the weather, but that is always such a lottery. We were scheduled to go to Kyoto in mid-April to catch the sakura, but have cancelled that and will stay in Hong Kong instead. The last time there (Kyoto) was about 15 years ago, and it was quite one the most magical experiences of my life.
Tom and I have not been to Japan. Kyoto is on the top of our list! And I'm eagerly waiting for our cherry blossoms here in DC.
Your photo reportage is more than interesting and beautiful. I've been recently to London and I truly enjoyed these unknown for me corners. I must also add that you are a great photographer!
Cheers Olympia
Looks like you guys had a heap of fun in the Old Dart – I've loved tagging along with you both! I hope Mocha is now well again & keeping you on your toes, a big Get Well woof from puppy Lulu. My new knee is coming along well & I'm champing at the bit to toss the flats & give the high-tech titanium a test drive on a pair of high Manolos, just need to keep out of sight from my Orthpaedic Surgeon when I do!
Millie xx
Such fun Loi! Boy do you two know how to live! I am coveting the mirrors!
OH LOI,
You have done it again. You have taken my breath away, and I am NOT kidding! You know, every time I come to see you, I tell myself that your current post is my favorite. But I have to say that THIS ONE is my current favorite! You take such vivid photos; that first one with the pink blossoms….HOW FABULOUS IS THIS?
The antiques, Portobello Rd, YOU! Your finds, oh dear…..I love blogging.
My dear Loi, enjoy all the unpacking and hopefully, good weather out your way! We are having snow, but hopefully it will not mount to much!
Thank you for the joy you spread with your lovely images and pieces of true antiquity and beauty! Anita
OMG those mirrors…great buy Loi they're fabulous! Looks like a wonderful trip and all those urns have me swooning here. I was just in London but a very quick business trip next time I'm going back to play!
XXX
Debra~
I so enjoy looking at people's travel photos because I love to travel and don't get to do it often enough. Thanks so much for sharing the photos from England. I look forward to more to come!
Claudia
I love England and its been years since I've been. Looks like you found tons of great stuff!
Loi, your photos are divine. I feel like I was there with you ( wish I was!) What a wonderful trip and beautiful genre scenes of London. I went there with Bethany for her high school graduation years ago and would love to go back just for the design stores! So charming. Have a great week.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Those mirrors Loi….I'm in love!!! I need to come visit your shop soon 🙂
Heidi
Loi I am loving your trip photos…that pink door really got me I have to admit!
These images have me longing for a return visit to England – amazing doors!!
Luv'd the swans/snowdrops analogy!!! franki
Always, always, always a treat and a pleasure. The pink door got me too!
Love your photos and especially those mirrors you found. Wish I could use something like those. I would love to get back to London to explore. My husband and I really enjoyed it when we were there for our 20th anniversary tour.
Dear Loi, I get vicarious pleasure from seeing your shopping trips. I've never been to London, but I would make Portobello Road a top priority! The mirrors are spectacular!
I must get myself back to London soon! Hard to believe I haven't been there in over 25 years, ok now I'm aging myself. I could live in one of those flats, too, so perhaps we could be neighbors! Gorgeous!
What fun it would be to take the double decker bus tour! So many wonderful photos Loi ! The shopping looks amazing and I am positive that the pink door is there to coordinate with those gorgeous blossoms;)
xxL
Loi,
London is my favorite city in the world. I love that little spot in London where Liberty is located. So charming and it always seems like a step back in time because of the historical buildings. I have been looking for an entry rug and saw one in the emporium being displayed…could you pick it up for me on your next trip? That and maybe the Libery scarf? LOL!
Thanks for such fabulous images of an area I never tire of.
xo,
Karen
How I do love the UK, Portobello Rd + Buxted Park! your mirrors are just beautiful + all your photos are stunning. I do believe London is my favorite city of all. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
My trip continues….
Oh I love that PINK door!
And
When can I move into #14 on that Posh Street!
You always amaze me with the details you see! If I were to ever travel to such marvelous places I would want you along!
THOSE MIRRORS ARE TO DIE FOR!!!!
Gorgeous images, and so fun traveling vicariously through you!! Love the mirrors,
xo Kathysue
PS I posted my new sofa on my blog today!!
Such lovely photos and amazing architecture! I am partial to London as my daughter and son-in-law lived there for three years and we enjoyed many attractions in various parts of the city and countryside! Thank you for sharing.
what stunning footage of your trip, loi! the pink door just stole my heart. it is sort of perfect with or without the blossoms. i am so glad your treasure hunting trip was fruitful and you could soak up so much lovely across the sea. my sister is heading to london in a few weeks so i'll be sharing this post with her to get her more stoked (not sure that's possible though). 🙂
love to you.
michele
Hi Loi,
Share your love of Liberty, the one store in London I must bring something home from on each visit. Love the shot of the lovely church. I will add Buxted Park to the UK list. You know the best places! Thank you for sharing them! Oh and I love the pink door and cherry blossoms, so pretty!
Hi Loi, Fantastic trip and photos. Can't wait to see all of the goodies.
xoxox Mary
Hello Loi,
Lovely post but now I am home sick (LOL!) I was first taken to Liberty's at the age of 6 and have been happily visiting ever since! Happy you found treasure to take back with you! Have a good week.
Ivan
Loi-
I would have major trouble coming home after such a wonderful trip. I love all your images and that pink door with those blossoms is stunning.
Spring will be here soon and the sunshine and warmth will certainly give us all just the inspiration we need. I would love some Liberty fabric to make a top for spring~
pve
That pink door and cherry blossoms are wonderful. Thanks for the amazing photographs. It looks like your trip was such fun!
Susan
That pink door and cherry blossoms are wonderful. Thanks for the amazing photographs. It looks like your trip was such fun!
Susan
Dear Loi, You had me at the PINK door & blossoms….and the orangery almost put me over the edge! Beautiful images & tour from across the pond…you look great too!
xxo Monica
What beautiful images..the cherry blossoms are gorgeous and so are the two mirrors….sounds like you had a fab trip!
Hi Loi, That first image is stunning and has me longing for Spring. (8 degrees here this morning and snow on the way.) All your photographs are transporting; scrolling through them feels like being there. Looks like it was a wonderful trip. xo, Phyllis
Enjoyed the tour and all the photos Loi! So nice to follow along on your buying trip:)! It must be getting close to cherry blossom season in DC too. I loved visiting during that time of year.
Have a great week XO!
Sarah
Hello Loi
I am delighted to see you are having a successful and enjoyable trip to England. Your images are making me long to visit. The mirrors are spectacular. I also love the picture of you by the urns.
Continued joy and good wishes are your continue your travels.
Helen x
Well I say! The Loi's of London whistle stop tour was a great success.
Our door looks so beautiful against the cherry tree at this time of year doesn't it!
Mr P.A.U.L.
You've sold me on a trip to London, so beautiful! And I would have to go to Liberty, wow 🙂
Good morning dearest Loi!
I always smile hugely when I see your comment come in! Thank YOU for following me, for leaving comments and for always gracing my space with your kindness and beauty. Oh how I am loving following you on Pinterest as well! You must be working hard but having so much fun unpacking your wares from England. I tell ya, if ever on the east coast again in YOUR area, Tone on Tone will be my must-see list!
Enjoy your day my dear, Anita
Almost bought that chair? Oh that "almost" makes me sad. Lovely pictures that make me very regretful that I had no time in London when I went to England last year. My favorite of all those wonderful pictures is the one of the posh flats. I love how the are identical except that each has a unuque metal screen at its entrance.
Loi, your photos are magnificent!
Love the one of you in the scarf!!
Looks like you were able to squeeze in a lot.
Loved the shop in your last post too, especially the global feel of its offerings.
Thanks for bringing us along for the ride!!
Hi Loi,
Oh, that pink door and swath of spring blossoms! The way you curated your photos for this post is so delightful. I like the collages interspersed with the larger photos. It makes me feel like I'm glancing around – the little bird on your shoulder effect. Thank you for bringing back so many London memories.
(Those mirrors are fabulous.)
Suzanne
Hello Loi, I am impressed with those pictures of Liberty's, as I was with the store itself when I visited London. It seems that so many older American department stores have divested themselves of any old-fashioned charm or glamor, removing wooden escalators, paneling, etc.
That picture of the fireplace crammed with logs was strange–I hope that no one tries to light it!
–Road to Parnassus
(I miss Europe!) 😉
Dear Loi…the photos are so fantastic…thank you for sharing this trip with us…
The cherry tree and pink door?? I hope you Pinned that one! 🙂
So much history, beauty…pure bliss. And it's wonderful to see YOU!! So glad you had some sunshine!
Portobello Road always reminds me of the song from "Bedknobs and Broomsticks!
Will you be sharing the treasures you found?
Enjoy your day, sweet friend…and thank you for the inspiration!
xoxo,
– Irina
Thanks for asking, Irina. Yes, I'll be posting photos of some of the pieces we purchased on this trip. Cheers, Loi
Thank you for sharing your incredible photos with us, Loi! It was such a treat to go to London vicariously : )
Lindas imagens, um país rico em detalhes. Amei a porta rosa combinando com a cerejeira. Eu fico enlouquecida com esses tesouros quero trazer todos para casa. Parabéns pelo post maravilhoso. Feito com muito bom gosto.
Tenha uma ótima semana.
Loi;
who needs magazines when they have LOI from Tone on Tone? Not me. I just go and visit your beautiful blog over and over. I would love to shop on Portebello and see what treasures I might find….heck I would just love to visit London. But until then…..I shall just enjoy living vicariously through you!!!
xo
Terri
Hello Loi,
What a great trip.
Your photos look fab and am so pleased you had a good time.
Hope you have a lovely day,
Liz x
So beautiful, Loi! I have only been to England once, and the person I was visiting wasn't interested in antiques, so we did other things…:( One day I will go back! LOVE that door…I'm inspired to paint mine…♥ Don't you love how they use cabs for their colorful advertising?
Hugs,
Anne
it's very nice blog, keep wondorfull and sharing your blog.
Edmonton Painters
Painters Edmonton
WOW Loi, what a beautiful pictures!! Love the sight seeing in England and the mirrors you are shipping are just beyond beautiful the patina is lovely!
Loved to hear that you were in the Netherlands. Hope you liked it and next time I would love to meet you.
Big kiss,
Rozmeen
Hi, Rozmeen – We only had two days in the Netherlands on this trip. Definitely let's meet up on my next visit 🙂
Hi Loi, thanks so much for the beautiful photos. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Sadly here in the UK any signs of spring have now disappeared under snow! Its been bitterly cold and snowing for the past 10 days, and feels like mid-winter. Have you ever visited Edinburgh? A beautiful, historic and elegant city with many lovely antique shops! Do visit!
Sheena @ Beautiful Life
Thank you, Sheena. I've never been to Edinburgh….would love to visit. Do you have a blog? I've discovered wonderful restaurants / shops / other places via blog visits. Cheers, Loi
Love seeing all of your wonderful pictures of Europe and so jealous that you got a taste of spring. We can't wait to see the budding blossoms – they are still under 4 inches of snow!
4 inches of snow? No snow in DC, but cold. I hope spring comes for all of us soon!!
No words… I'm in awe looking at all these images!! I love how you share your fun experiences with us! I love to live vicariously through you – what an amazing trip!!
Best wishes Loi!
Desiree
Looks like you had a fabulous trip, Loi. Thanks for sharing the photos. This makes me want to visit London again soon!
-Deborah
Good evening, dearest Loi!
Thank you so very much for your visit…and you are welcome at my place for dinner anytime!! :))
Love and blessings,
– Irina
(And thank you for visiting the wonderful Anne…I'm actually going to attempt her tutorial…stay tuned!)
If that statuary could talk…I could sit and stare for hours at the patina of the pedestal holding the urn!
Thanks for taking us with you!
Andie
I passed up a pair of those canisters (also thinking they would make wonderful lamps) in a junk shop of all places…I have scolded myself a thousand times for that one. Loi I would love to know the sizes and prices of those two mirrors. They are wonderful!
Loi,
Your trip was marvelous your photos prove it. They remind me of my architectural studies and the ritual of weekly tons of slides and lots to memorize aw but how wonderful our mind is especially when you see beautiful photos like yours here and memories just float images back up to the surface again…love it!
Gray skies lay the foundation for the best photos and with people there's no squinting just real expressions. Thank you for generously sharing how you do what you do and where your travels take you. We love it !
Bette
Thank you for the exciting blog posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you might be a brilliant writer. When i added your site to my favorites all of which will look forward for additional updates.Congrats,Keep writing..
Stunning pics…
I love the door on the first one.
Not many people are bold enough to have a pink door.
Lovely! I have wnated to go to England since I was a little girl. Love the photo of the cherry blossoms!
Hi Loi, I loved this. I have shopped Portobello Rd., too. You must get special pricing? I did not think the deals were really good? I bet you have all sorts of inside contacts. This is so fun to read, thanks.
OH I love that Bobbin chair!! You are getting me excited for our trip to Ireland and england next summer cannot wait and I will definitely check out Liberty!!
Looks like you had a marvelous time!
xo Karolyn
Thanks for the treat wonderful!, you are a great photographer that is for sure.
Best wishes
Oh my goodness, Loi! I am dying to get to Europe! Isn't it truly a small world we live in?
These images are just stunning. The mirrors are fabulous!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Teresa
xoxo
Visiting London stands out as one of my most-cherished vacations. I really do love it, and your recent posts are making me miss it terribly. I'm really enjoying your photos and hearing about your travels.
xo,
Keri
I'll echo what everyone else said about those mirrors! Gorgeous!
I last was in London in '09. I remember realizing that the hotel I was staying in was older than my country! Amazing!
My daughter would just LOVE that pink door/tree blossom lane; she's a girly girl and then some.
Where are you off to next?
Loi,
London, NY and Stockholm are my fave shopping destinations (nope, not Paris!). You lucky cat you – to get to enjoy the fun city AND bring beautiful goodies home. Can't wait to see what more is in that mega container! (:
Hugs to you. (Sorry for my lack of comments lately – working on another store..)
Hi Loi,
Sorry for the late visit. I've been on Spring Break with my family for the past 2 weeks. One week in Florida and one in Texas. Whew! Back to normal.
Love this post, as our family is visiting London in early June. I had heard of Liberty but hadn't seen photos…so will have to make a stop there. That first shot with the cherry blossoms and pink door is fantastic! Of course, I love it!!
Happy Monday!
xoxo Elizabeth
Hi loi, I also love the soulfulness of one wings grand as it is making that simple statement.
Those French mirrors are so yummy, I am looking for one much like them to place over a buffet side server. Wish I were there to snag one up.
Looks like you had an amazing holiday, you standing with that wonderful urn images me want to plan a trip to England, but getting France out of the way first 🙂
Thank you friend see you soon
A beautiful week to you.
Xx
Doré
Hi Loi!!! How fun are your trips???
I love love love the pair of french directoire trumeau mirrors! Stunning. Thanks so much for taking us along with you on this adventure.
Love you!
Dear Loi,
Thank you for sharing these beautiful images from your trip to England– those views of Liberty and Portobello especially make me sigh with envy–two of my favorite haunts! I can't wait to get back. I'm glad to see that you found some perfect pieces for your shop– the mirrors are gorgeous! (If they actually make it into the shop and don't go straight to your home, you're a better person than me!)
Warm regards,
Erika
Dear Loi I have loved your last several posts! So many wonderful finds, and of course your taste is discerning beyond!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
My first comment disappeared! Oh No! Well, here goes again:-). I see I have a lot of catching up to do since I've been away. However, love this post and your pictures from your trip! I am now tempted to repaint my orange door pink as I am enamored with that pink door in the first photo. XX
Love this through your eyes. I got some good things on Portobello Rd. Want to go back!!! Enjoy!
Hi Loi, Lisa again.
Thanks for stopping in at 16lstreet! In answer to your question…
We are so grateful to have found this amazing home. It is simply magical. The house is full of chestnut, oak, mahogany and sycamore. I have not even taken the time to count all of the columns yet. That just gave me an idea–a post on my columns!
Thanks for stopping in Loi, you never cease to make me smile. I hope to meet you some day and of course stop in at your wonderful shop!
Dear dear Loi!
I MISS YOU! Oh I feel like I am going through withdrawals having disabled my comments!
I just came by to say BONJOUR. Saw you over at YONKS and I just needed to connect. PEACE MY FRIEND! And I hope you and Tom will have a great Easter! LOVE, Anita
Good God man…..your photography is outstanding! I think a photography book on just gorgeous doors would be awesome….it seems like London has quite a few:). What a fab trip….looks like you had a swell time:)
Loi, As I was out of town and trying to focus on my guests I missed this beautiful post! I cannot believe with all of these images that you were only gone for ten days! The amount of ground you covered and the countries visited would lead one to assume that you had been gone a month.
I think in addition to your design work, antique store, buying trips, garden design that you also have a future in leading buying trips to Europe and photography workshops and then in your free time you can write the book I mentioned in my previous comment.
I am in awe of your talent! And so excited to have found your beautiful and inspiring blog.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Dear Loi, this brilliant post transferred the spirit of London to me! And now I've realized again how much I miss London! Thanks for a "comfortable armchair traveling" 🙂
xxk